BY KRISTINA HACKER

Turlock Journal

Turlock started 2017 with a patriotic flare that included the creation of American flag corridors around town, a 1,000 Flag Initiative and the painting of red, white and blue stripes in honor of police, fire and paramedic personnel on the Joe Gallison Memorial Pathway along Canal Drive. The city will continue its patriotic spirit this year with a 4th of July celebration that will start in downtown Turlock with a parade, car show and street faire, and end at Stanislaus State with live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show.

Independence Day activities will begin in downtown Turlock at 10 a.m. on July 4 with a parade down Main Street. This year’s theme of Honor Courage Sacrifice is meant to honor veterans and active military personnel, said Turlock Downtown Property Owners Director Molly Amant.

Following the parade will be a car show and street faire until 3 p.m. The car show is open to all types of vehicles and will run down Main Street from Golden State Boulevard to Lander Avenue. Special awards will be presented for the Mayor’s Choice, City Council Member’s Choice, Fire Chief’s Choice and Police Chief’s Choice, among others.

The festivities in downtown Turlock will include a kids zone with an obstacle course, face painting, free henna tattoos, balloon twister and special appearances by  “Frozen” stars Elsa and Anna, along with Batman and Spiderman.

Local businesses will also be in on the holiday fun. All veterans will receive a free scoop of ice cream from Oak Barrel Creamery and The Udder Place will have a live band and specials for veterans.

“The Fourth of July event is a great opportunity to get the community involved and really highlight our beautiful downtown,” said Amant. “The community we have in Turlock is incredible.”

The holiday fun will continue into the night on the campus of Stanislaus State. Kids’ activities and food vendors will be in the University Quad starting at 7 p.m. Live entertainment will include Lizette and the Loudmouths playing the Pergola Meadows stage and a jazz band playing at the University Amphitheater stage. For families to enjoy, there will once again be a Children’s Play Area organized by the City of Turlock Parks & Recreation, as well as food by Chartwells available in the Main Quad and concessions available near Pergola Meadows and the Amphitheater.

Fireworks are set to begin at 9 p.m., with the best viewing at Pergola Meadows.

This is the third consecutive year that Stanislaus State has hosted a fireworks show.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the City of Turlock and the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association to continue this wonderful tradition in celebration of our nation’s history and our freedoms. As a campus, we are dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming location for our community to enjoy and celebrate. In the morning, families will be gathering downtown at the parade, street faire and car show and in the evening, everyone is invited to our beautiful campus to enjoy family activities, live entertainment and of course a spectacular fireworks display,” according to a statement released by the university.

Parking for the campus event is free, however, a number of road closures around the university will be in effect. Monte Vista Avenue between Geer Road and Crowell Road will be closed starting at 6:30 p.m. on July 4. Access to the parking lots will be available from the south via Del’s Lane, the east via Geer, the west via Crowell, and the north via Christoffersen Parkway.

No alcohol, glass containers, personal fireworks or barbecues will be allowed on the campus during the festivities.

The university is still seeking sponsors for the 4th of July fireworks show. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.csustan.edu/4th-of-july/sponsorship-opportunities

For information on how to enter the car show or to a street faire vendor, visit http://www.turlockdowntown.com/content/fourth-july